Apparatus and method for proper breath control for singing

ABSTRACT

A pair of adjustable belts adapted to encircle the human torso provides training in proper breath control techniques while singing. Mating fasteners at the free ends of each belt releasably secure the free ends together so that each belt forms a closed loop. A method includes securing the belts around the middle of the torso, expanding the first belt, having the person inhale with the intercostals and lateral muscles to expand the ribcage and fastening the first belt into the expanded position around the torso, in a horizontal line at the breastbone. In one embodiment, the top belt is placed around the subject at the middle of the chest fastening at the breastbone and the bottom belt is placed around the subject angling upward from the lower back, to fasten also at the breastbone. A final step may be to have the person maintain pressure on both straps while singing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/340,742, filed on Mar. 20, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present field relates to a training harness apparatus and method used in conjunction with breathing exercises specifically as an aid in teaching people proper singing technique and “breath support” for singing.

BACKGROUND

As is well known, control over the diaphragm is essential for persons engaged in singing, athletics, playing wind instruments, and many other activities. Indeed, diaphragmatic breathing and breath control enhance a person's general health and have an important effect on posture. What is different for the singer is that proper breath technique for sound requires that the singer maintain the diaphragm in a flexed position.

Diaphragmatic breath support requires the singer to widen the lower ribs of the chest where the diaphragm comes in contact with the rib cage, and to maintain expansion of the intercostals and lateral muscles in order to retain air in the lungs which provides the pressure needed to control and direct the small amount of air expressed for sound. In natural breathing the diaphragm rises and falls minimally drawing air in and out of the lungs. For the singer, his/her task is to flex the diaphragm deeply by expanding the lower rib cage, including expansion into the lower back, and to keep that expansion for as long as possible, releasing only the minimum resistant breath necessary to vibrate the vocal chords.

One of the most challenging parts of learning to sing is learning how to support one's voice. The singer must keep air in her/his lungs to give support to the voice, and diaphragmatic breath support is what makes that possible. The controlled and maintained expansion of the lower rib cage keeps the diaphragm flexed.

Though the diaphragm is the primary breathing muscle, many people have little sensory awareness of their diaphragm and almost no idea of how to engage it more fully or how it works. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a device and method for perceiving the difference between diaphragmatic breath support and accessory breathing, in which the shoulders rise and the chest expands, and for practicing proper breath control while singing.

Provided herein is an apparatus that allows singers to learn how to support the voice and to practice diaphragmatic breath support while singing by providing bio-feedback in the form of the belt's contact with the torso, without constriction of the abdominal wall muscles. The abdominal wall must be able to expand and relax as the diaphragm is kept in a flexed position, and engage slowly to provide resistance to the collapsing of the rib cage and resultant release of the diaphragm. The singer's aim is to keep the diaphragm flexed as long as possible—to hold the breath, maintain the breath and not expel it. If the singer keeps the expansion in her/his lungs, the belt remains tight around the middle and lower ribs in the back; slackening of the belt reminds the singer to breathe, re-expanding the lower rib cage, maintaining the deep flex of the diaphragm and proper breath support and pressure needed to sing.

SUMMARY

As described herein a harness adapted for use in training people in proper breathing while singing is presented. In addition to helping the wearer detect when he is engaged in diaphragmatic breath support rather than accessory breathing, various embodiments of the apparatus also adjust over a range of size to accommodate persons having different sized torsos. A further objective is to provide a novel and useful method for training a person in proper singing techniques.

To accomplish these objectives, in particular embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of adjustable belts, for example two belts. In one non-limiting embodiment, when worn by a subject, the first belt is placed substantially horizontally around the torso at the breastbone above the second belt, and the second belt is placed at an angle to contact the muscles in the lower back without constricting the abdominal wall muscles. The plurality of belts preferably adjusts to accommodate different sized torsos, and to reach the appropriate places on a person's back and around her/his ribs. In a particular embodiment, both belts fasten at the breastbone, which assists in keeping the bottom belt out of the way of the abdominal wall muscles while singing.

In the preferred method according to the present invention, a person practices proper diaphragmatic breathing techniques by snugly securing a first adjustably expandable belt around the upper torso of the body and by securing a second adjustably expandable belt at an angle to reach the back and ribs. The first belt is then expanded, and the person inhales a deep breath to swell the chest cavity into an expanded state. While the chest is in this expanded state, the first belt is secured to snugly embrace the expanded upper torso. The person then continues to breathe while maintaining pressure on the first belt. The second belt is secured to snugly embrace the lower torso when the lower torso in an expanded state. When breathing while holding the upper torso in snug contact with the first adjustable belt and moving the lower torso into and out of snug fitting engagement with the second belt, the person practices sustained diaphragmatic breath support.

An apparatus and method for training a person in proper breath control techniques while singing. In one embodiment, the apparatus employs a pair of adjustable belts adapted to encircle the torso of the human body. The free ends of each said belt are provided with mating fasteners to releasably secure the free ends together so that each belt forms a closed loop. The belts are adjustable in length, to create the desired circumference around the ribcage. The method, in particular embodiments, includes the steps of securing the belts around the middle of a person's torso, expanding the first belt, having the person inhale a deep breath with the intercostals and lateral muscles to expand the ribcage and snugly fastening the first belt into the expanded position around the torso, in a horizontal line at the breastbone. In one embodiment, the top belt is placed around the subject at the middle of the chest fastening at the breastbone and the bottom belt is placed around the subject angling upward from the lower back, to fasten also at the breastbone. In an embodiment, the method includes the final step of having the person maintain pressure on both straps while singing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the top belt, including the 2 nylon belts and the thicker nylon belt to which they are sewn.

FIG. 2 is a view of the bottom belt, showing the 2 nylon belts connected at an angle to the thick nylon belt.

FIG. 3 shows a releasable snap lock fastening assembly with openings on each side through which the belts are threaded.

FIG. 4 is a view of the full harness, with both belts connected to the fastener.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the full harness as worn by an individual.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

For the purpose of illustration, the harness, according to one or more embodiments of the invention, can be best understood with a discussion of the following elements of an exemplary embodiment. It will be appreciated that certain elements presented can be combined, omitted, or arranged differently according to other aspects of the invention:

The top belt (FIG. 1) is constructed of two belts of nylon webbing, 1″×0.07″×22″ (1), loose at one end to be connected to the fastener (FIG. 3), with the other end sewn to the top belt (2). A belt of nylon webbing, 2″×0.06″×20″ has each end sewn to one of the nylon belts. The corners of each end are folded over the nylon belt and secured with stitches (3). The end result is a 64″ straight belt with the think part of the belt in the center.

The bottom belt (FIG. 2) is made of the same components. However, the belts are connected to the belt at an angle, rather than in a straight line (4). This angle is designed to allow the thick part of the lower belt to reach the bottom of the rib cage in the back, without interfering with or crossing the abdominal wall muscles. The belt has each end sewn to one of the nylon belts. The bottom corner of each end is folded over the angled nylon belt and secured with stitches. Again, the ends of the belts are free to be attached to the snap-lock fastener (FIG. 3).

Both the top and bottom belts are removably connected to the releasable snap lock fastening assembly. The left end of the top belt is threaded through the large opening in the left side of the fastener (5) from back to front, and then through the top opening (6). The left end of the bottom belt is threaded through the large opening in the left side of the fastener (5) from back to front, and then through the bottom opening (7).

The right end of the top belt is threaded through the large opening in the right side of the fastener (8) from back to front, and then through the top opening (9). The right end of the bottom belt is threaded through the large opening in the right side of the fastener (8) from back to front, and then through the bottom opening (10). The two belts connected to the fastener form the complete harness (FIG. 4).

Method of Using the Harness

The present invention relates to an apparatus in the form of a harness assembly to be used as an aid in practicing and instructing a person in proper breathing techniques, and specifically, for use in development of proper posture and diaphragmatic breath support while singing. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a method of singing using diaphragmatic breathing and a method of instructing a person to use diaphragmatic breathing, utilizing an embodiment of the apparatus described herein.

In assembly and use, a person may fasten the harness (FIG. 4) by encircling the top belt around his torso just beneath the armpits and closing the releasable snap-lock fastening assembly at the breastbone. The bottom belt (FIG. 2) also encircles the torso, but at a downward angle from the snap-lock closure.

The first belt is then expanded to loosen it around the upper torso of the body. In one embodiment, the method of developing proper diaphragmatic breath support or instructing a person in proper diaphragmatic breath support techniques includes the step of expanding the lower rib cage, deeply flexing the diaphragm. While the person holds the breath, the first belt is adjusted to snugly embrace the expanded upper torso of the body. The second belt is similarly adjusted using the tightening straps, to embrace the torso from the breastbone in the front to the bottom of the rib cage in the back. Once the belts are secured in these positions, the method includes the step of maintaining the expansion while expressing only the small amount of air necessary to make sound. This latter step requires that the person utilize the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles since the lower chest is held in an expanded state. When breathing while holding the upper torso in snug contact with the first adjustable belt and moving the lower torso into and out of snug fitting engagement with the second belt, the person practices sustained diaphragmatic breath support.

In another embodiment, the method of practicing proper diaphragmatic breath support utilizing an embodiment of the apparatus described herein includes one or more of the steps 1) of attaching the apparatus around the bottom half of the torso with the buckle situated at the breastbone, the upper belt horizontal around the back and the lower belt, angling downward from each side of the buckle at the front of the torso, around to the lower back, so as not to constrict the abdominal wall muscles; 2) tightening the belts with the adjustable straps, so that the belts fit snugly on the inhalation, but loosen to the point of falling on the exhalation; 3) with the mouth open, expanding the lower ribcage where the belt is situated around the torso, using the intercostal and lateral muscles, also optionally and preferably allowing the abdominal wall muscles to expand. This will draw the air into the lungs. The expansion of the intercostal, lateral and abdominal wall muscles, maintained in position, will keep the diaphragm in a flexed position, thus giving the singer the ability to maintain the air in the lungs to provide support (i.e. air pressure) needed for a steady breath in order to perfect pitch.

In other embodiments the method comprises or further comprises one or more of the steps of 1) practicing breath holding exercises, 2) maintaining the belts in a snug fitting position for as long as possible as long duration notes are sung; 3) maintaining the belts in a snug fitting position as long duration notes are sung going up and down various musical scales; 4) following breathing and singing exercises to, e.g., increase abilities to control the breath, for example, stopping and starting, maintaining an even breath, varying the pressure of the breath to sustain notes. In certain embodiments the method comprises or further comprises one or more of the steps of 1) while singing scales and varying intervals in several musical keys, keeping the belts in a snug fitting position by taking small catch breaths. In preferred embodiments, the belts are not allowed to loosen slacken, as this will indicate too great an exhalation, and show that the lungs are not containing enough air to support the voice, with the correct amount of pressure for even pitch. In a preferred embodiment, voice exercises are practiced to master control of the breath using the amount of slack in the upper and lower belts to determine whether or not the voice is being supported by the diaphragm kept in a flexed position.

Also contemplated is a combination of a harness according to the above disclosure and media containing instructions for use of said harness, e.g., as an aid in instructing a person in proper breathing techniques, and specifically, for use in training a person in proper posture and diaphragmatic breath support while singing. Said media includes, but is not limited to, paper and digital media. Digital media includes, but is not limited to, compact disc, DVDs, hard disk drive, solid state drive, computer memory, and memory cards or sticks. The instructions may take the form of audio, video, or text, hyperlinks, and any combination thereof. The instructions are adapted to the particular media used. For example, in one embodiment, a computer readable text, audio, or video file when the media is a hard disk drive.

Materials and Variations

The belts are preferably formed of a nylon webbing material, but any other highly flexible, belt-like material could be used for belts (1). The top and bottom belts are preferably formed of a thicker nylon webbing material (2″×0.06″×20″), but any other highly flexible belt-like material could be used for belts.

The belts are mounted on the belt in any convenient manner, such as by sewing or by an adhesive. The upward angle from the back of the bottom belt to the end of the belts is retained in every variation.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the belts are removably attached to the fastener, preferably with sufficient length that a degree of adjustment may be achieved by tightening the belts. Other means for adjusting the length of belts that are generally known in the art are contemplated by this invention. Numerous different fastening assemblies and adjustable fasteners as are known in the art may be used in the present invention without departing from the scope thereof.

The present invention involves concepts defined in the appended claims, and those concepts are not intended to be limited by the detailed description herein. The harness apparatus provided herein can take other forms and is susceptible to various changes in detail of structure without departing from the concepts of the apparatus. 

1. A harness, comprising: a first belt and a second belt positioned below the first belt, said belts having a first end and a second end, wherein the first belt is adapted to extend around the upper torso region of the human body and the second belt is adapted to extend at an angle from the breastbone to the back of the human body at the diaphragm's lowest point.
 2. The harness of claim 1, wherein the first and second belts comprise fastening means for releasably and adjustably interconnecting the ends of said first and second belts to define closed loops.
 3. A training harness according to claim 2 wherein said fastening means includes adjustment means for selectively varying the circumferential length thereof.
 4. A training harness according to claim 1 wherein the second belt is secured around the torso at the breastbone, and encircles the human torso in an angle approximating the location of the diaphragm when fully flexed.
 5. A method of using proper diaphragmatic breathing techniques while singing, comprising the steps of: placing an adjustably expandable first belt around the upper torso of the body; placing an adjustably expandable second belt from the breastbone in the front to the bottom of the rib cage in the back; inhaling a deep breath to expand the chest cavity and securing said first belt snugly embracing the upper torso of the body; and maintaining expanding pressure on said first belt while continuing to breathe with the diaphragm.
 6. The method according to claim 5 further comprising the step of breathing by expanding and contracting the lower torso into and out of snug fitting engagement with said second adjustable belt.
 7. A method of placing an apparatus on a subject, comprising the steps of: inhaling a deep breath to expand the chest cavity and securing a first belt snugly around the upper torso of the body; and maintaining expanding pressure on said first belt while continuing to breathe with the diaphragm.
 8. The method according to claim 5 further comprising the step of placing a second belt snugly around the lower torso of the subject at an angle approximating the location of the diaphragm when fully flexed. 